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Human Subjects Research Policy

Emerson recognizes the need for investigations in which human beings serve as research subjects. The College is also cognizant of its responsibility for ensuring that the privacy, safety, health and welfare of subjects are adequately protected. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) exists to review and approve the adequacy of human subject protection. Additionally, the College has established a Federal Wide Assurance with regard to the conduct of human subjects research.

The policies of the College, with respect to research involving human subjects are guided by The Belmont Report, a federal government document that charges each researcher with the responsibility while conducting human subject research of demonstrating respect for persons, beneficence (maximizing benefits and minimizing risks), and justice. The policies are based on the following principles:

Participation in any research project must be voluntary;

The risks of participation must be acceptable when measured against the possible benefits to the participant or by the importance of the knowledge gained,

Research and training activities involving human subjects must be supervised by a qualified person,

All research programs that involve human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the IRB prior to initiation of the protocol.

Per Federal Regulations, all continuing research must be reviewed on an annual basis.

This applies to all research involving humans, not just clinical research and regardless of whether or not the research is funded.